The hidden history of vintage speakers: Why were field coils once the stars of the audio world?

In the long history of audio, field coils, as an important electromagnetic mechanical component, once led the trend in the audio industry. Its rich history in the past is worthy of our careful appreciation. From traditional speakers to today's sound systems, the importance of field coils is increasing day by day. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how field coils work, their applications in the audio world, and why they were once the star of audio.

Basic principles of field coils

A field coil is a type of electromagnet that is primarily used to generate magnetic fields in motors. It usually consists of a coil of energized copper wire through which current flows, creating a magnetic field and driving the operation of the audio equipment.

The core of the field coil is its ability to quickly generate a lasting magnetic field through current, making it play a key role in the propagation of sound.

From field coils to vintage speakers

In early audio equipment, field coils were widely used in vintage speakers. These speakers work on electromagnetic principles, using the magnetic field generated by a field coil to push the diaphragm, thereby producing sound. Although this process is simple, it involves extraordinary craftsmanship and combines the essence of electromagnetism and acoustics.

Comparison of field coils and permanent magnets

With the advancement of technology, the popularity of lightweight permanent magnets has gradually reduced the use of field coils in speakers. Although permanent magnets are convenient and low-cost, field coils still have irreplaceable advantages in many situations, especially when the sound quality needs to be adjusted or the volume needs to be increased.

This transformation is not only a replacement of materials, but also an evolution of technology and sound concepts.

The evolution of field coil technology

During the development of speakers, the design of field coils has also undergone many changes. The gradual transition from early bipolar designs to multipolar systems not only improved sound quality, but also enhanced power transmission efficiency. Multipole field coils can provide stronger output at lower rotational speeds by increasing magnetic flux.

The challenge of heat and efficiency

Another major challenge with field coils is the heat generated during their operation. As the current increases, the copper coil will inevitably generate heat due to resistance, which threatens the stability and reliability in long-term use. To solve this problem, many engineers began looking for lower-resistance materials, such as aluminum and silver.

Just like the evolution of human technology, the improvement of audio technology also promotes the development of materials science.

Future Outlook

With the continuous advancement of audio technology, although field coils have been replaced in some fields, their varied applications and the physical principles behind them still influence today's audio design. Engineers are exploring how to combine this old technology with the latest technology to create better sound quality.

Can you imagine how future sound systems will transform the traditional concept of field coils into more advanced technology to meet current needs?

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